ramairbrc

iTrader: (1)

My Trans Am has 85 K miles, and I'm going to switch to the drilled and slotted rotors, and new pads. SINCE I'll have the brakes apart anyway, should I do something with the calipers? Are they rebuildable? Is it worth the hassle? How about rebuilt units, with core exchange?

Thanks in advance for your input.

mitchntx

iTrader: (14)

I wrote a "How to" on a caliper rebuild, hosted on www.installuniversity.com

Fulton 1

iTrader: (9)

Yes, take a look at mitch's write up - its a good one.

ramairbrc

iTrader: (1)

Mitch, thanks. I did check your site as a reference, but I didn't look in the "Install" section as I was looking to "rebuild" the calipers. I know, I should have looked around more.

Oh, BTW, I did follow your instructions on the spark plug replacement, and did it in 2.5 hours. I trick I used was to slip the spark plug socket onto the plug, and then use a 3/4" racket with a short socket that fit the hex fitting on the back of the spark plug socket. While, it worked for me.

Thanks again for Install University!!!

mitchntx

iTrader: (14)

You are welcome for the help.

I don't own Install University, only contribute to it.

Kyle 01 T/A

replace them. i was just in the same situation and discovered it cost about 5-10 dollars more to get new ones than it does to have them rebuilt. these were autozone replacement calipers. good luck.

Kyle

mitchntx

iTrader: (14)

Autozone sells reman calipers for $25?

felton316

Autozone reman's(Fenco) are $37.90 per side. I'm not sure if I trust their reman calipers though. I've seen some junk (reman calipers) come out of there before.

ZR2877

Not trying to hi-jack the thread just get a little info without starting a new one. My Z28 has over 91,000 miles on it and I just bought some Power Slot rotors and Hawk pads. What are some other inexspensive options as far as Calipers go? Should I replace them or just keep using the ones I have? Also should I get just fronts or all four calipers? Thanks

ramairbrc

iTrader: (1)

ZR2877, that's not hijacking... I want to know that as well. Don't want to do something that I could have done better with a little more research.

mitchntx

iTrader: (14)

The least expensive option is to rebuild what you have.

$20 a side, a couple hours of labor and a lot of self satisfaction

ramairbrc

iTrader: (1)

True, but if I buy remanufactured calipers, then I can take my time and paint them before I do the swap. I read that that procedure is time consuming.

1STGEN68-2000SS

Check with pep boys. I think I saw an ad in the paper for there powder coated front calipers for 99.00. I don't know the the quality of these.

ramairbrc

iTrader: (1)

Thanks, I'll call them tomorrow.

ZR2877

I called Napa and got some front reman calipers for around $30. The rears are almost twice as much. I'll wait on those. I have spent way to much on my car this month. Thanks for the info guys I don't have time to rebuild.

mitchntx

iTrader: (14)

The time required to remove and replace the caliper is the same, regardless if you rebuild or buy reman.

It takes about a hour to rebuild 2 calipers.

How long does it take to drive to NAPA and get back to your garage?
I had the rebuild kits shipped to my house for about $8 each as I recall. So, they were at the shop when I was ready to rebuild.

ZR2877

I wasn't aware that it would take the same amount of time. Are the remans really that bad?

ramairbrc

iTrader: (1)

True mitch, the time to rebuild them is the same as the time to swap them, but the time to prep them and paint them while rebuilding them is longer. Of course, the time and money to buy rebuilt calipers is a consideration as well. I was hoping to find a set of 4 calipers off a "retired" car to rebuild and paint at my leisure, and then swap and put my 4 originals up for sale, but that is expensive as well. Also, in calling around for the rebuilds, some companies offer a "loaded" rebuild where they come completely assembied, with all new fitings and hoses. That kinda sounds like a good deal, but it's a far cry from $8 each for the rebuild kit!!

mitchntx

iTrader: (14)

My response was more targeted to ZR2877 ...

You are correct ... prep work to paint, painting and drying would be an overnight thing.

ramairbrc

iTrader: (1)

I guess one could plan it out to do one side of the car - prep and painting and rebuild - and then the other side of the car. That way, if you need to check something, the other side will be available.